Breeding Australian magpie

nest in banksia tree

magpies have long breeding season varies in different parts of country; in northern parts of australia breed between june , september, not commence until august or september in cooler regions, , may continue until january in alpine areas. nest bowl-shaped structure made of sticks , lined softer material such grass , bark. near human habitation, synthetic material may incorporated. nests built exclusively females , placed high in tree fork, in exposed position. trees used commonly eucalypts, although variety of other native trees introduced pine, crataegus, , elm have been recorded. other bird species, such yellow-rumped thornbill (acanthiza chrysorrhoa), willie wagtail (rhipidura leucophrys), southern whiteface (aphelocephala leucopsis), , (less commonly) noisy miner (manorina melanocephala), nest in same tree magpie. first 2 species may locate nest directly beneath magpie nest, while diminutive striated pardalote (pardalotus striatus) has been known make burrow breeding base of magpie nest itself. these incursions tolerated magpies. channel-billed cuckoo (scythrops novaehollandiae) notable brood parasite in eastern australia; magpies raise cuckoo young, outcompete magpie nestlings.

western magpie female (note scalloped back) collecting nesting material

the australian magpie produces clutch of 2 5 light blue or greenish eggs, oval in shape , 30 40 mm (1.2 1.6 in). chicks hatch synchronously around 20 days after incubation begins; passerines, chicks altricial—they born pink, naked, , blind large feet, short broad beak , bright red throat. eyes open @ around 10 days. chicks develop fine downy feathers on head, , wings in first week, , pinfeathers in second week. black , white colouration noticeable stage. nestlings fed exclusively female, though male magpie feed partner. australian magpie known engage in cooperative breeding, , helper birds assist in feeding , raising young. vary region region, , size of group—the behaviour rare or nonexistent in pairs or small groups.

a juvenile begs food father

juvenile magpies begin foraging on own 3 weeks after leaving nest, , feeding 6 months old. birds continue begging food until 8 or 9 months of age, ignored. birds reach adult size first year. age @ young birds disperse varies across country, , depends on aggressiveness of dominant adult of corresponding sex; males evicted @ younger age. many leave @ around year old, age of departure may range 8 months 4 years.

magpie in aggressive display , call



girl riding bike while being swooped territorial magpie